Hope, Healing, and Freedom for Hurting Souls

Nature Retreat

“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they were created and have their being.” (Revelations 4:11)

“I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.” – George Washington Carver

“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. As longs as this exists, and it certainly always will, I know that then there will always be comfort for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances may be. And I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles.” – Anne Frank, The Diary of a Young Girl

Nature Photography Links

“Some people, in order to discover God, read books. But there is a great book: the very appearance of created things. Look above you! Look below you! Read it. God, whom you want to discover, never wrote that book with ink. Instead He set before your eyes the things that He had made. Can you ask for a louder voice than that?” – St. Augustine

50 Mind-Blowing Examples of Macro Photography – “Seeing flowers and insects in all their minute details, makes you realize that there’s always more than meets the eye. Part of the fun of macro photography is showing this hidden beauty.”

50 States – 50 Natural Wonders – CNN showcases a natural wonder in each of the 50 states. Some are world-renowned and undeniably spectacular, while others are less-discovered gems. Each of their favorite spots, in its way, helps define its home state.

Animal Expressions– I love this! Not all the photos are wild animals, but I’m certain they will bring some smiles into your day! “A look at the interesting faces of all kinds of creatures and different forms of communication among the species.”

Art in Nature Photography-“Floris van Breugel is passionate about exploring nature and sharing his unique perspective through photography with the aim of inspiring viewers to learn more about the natural world.” His photos truly do give inspiring views of nature.

Birds and Blooms – A celebration of our natural world through stories and photography by Jim Flowers

Breathtaking Blog – I can’t find the name of this photographer, but her photos depict an appreciation of nature and are awesome captures of its beauty. – “From the moment I go into the garden and surrounding countryside, it becomes an adventure, and I’m never happier than when I spot something of extraordinary beauty, but a thing of beauty is better when shared.” (A personal note from the photographer)

Chasing Bugs: Because Bugs Are Awesome– Danae Wolfe loves to capture the beauty of bugs in her macro photography. Check out her blog and galleries for her spectacular macro photos. Danae is passionate about photography, bugs, conservation, and education.

Cindy Tiehen Photography– Cindy’s hope is to inspire with a glimpse of nature’s grace. She certainly does that with her breath-taking photos.

Daniel Buck Fine Art Photography – Galleries of amazing Alaska photography – Daniel’s “vision as an artist is for his audience to connect with the natural world around them and foster a greater appreciation for the stunning world that we all call home.”

HubbleSite Gallery – “Spectacular pictures of stars, galleries, nebulae, and more. Picture album spreads the universe out before you in its dazzling complexity.”

Insects and Bugs on the Web – “This site aims to help you really see insects for the miniature marvels they represent and to understand how intertwined our cultures have become with these alien creatures.” Includes stunning macrophotography.

Kinnara Bosworth Portfolio– This photographer travels to see and photograph natural wonders from all parts of the globe to share with the rest of the world. There are fantastic photos from different countries.

More Amazing Photography Shots Of Our Beautiful World – 45 Photos – “Our planet is far more impressive than we could imagine. It has the power to build landscapes that amaze us even after seeing them a few times. In this article I have gathered pictures of places in our beautiful world that are simply amazing and must be seen. There are a few man made places that were too good to be left out.”

Most Stunning Natural Wonder in Every State – “From Mount Everest to the Great Barrier Reef, the world is full of breathtaking, awe-inspiring natural wonders. But some of Mother Nature’s most stunning creations can be found right here in the U.S. From lush forests and pristine lakes to majestic gorges and towering volcanoes, the country is home to spectacular sights.” (weather.com)

Natureview Photography – “Hidden or remote, Natureview tries to give a view on the parts of nature that one normally does not see. Be it Polar Bears, walruses, Penguins and Seals of the remote Polar areas, or the dragon- and damselflies that might be hidden somewhere near your house, Natureview tries to expose them.”

Nature Photographers Network– Spectacular photos focusing on the art and technique of nature, wildlife, and landscape photography, lots of galleries to peruse and enjoy

Nature Photography Adventures – “Diane Kelsay and Bob Harvey lead photography adventures to special natural and cultural destinations around the planet. They have a long history, as professional photographers and as planners of sustainable tourism, in creating dramatic light images of natural and cultural destinations and using those images to help in the protection of fragile resources and the development and marketing of destination-sensitive tourism.”

Nature Wonders– Lots of breath-taking photos of natural wonders in a variety of countries

Nikon’s Small World – Astounding photos that capture “the beauty and complexity of life as seen through the light microscope.”

Ocean Galleries– National Geographic’s ocean galleries of various beautiful views of the ocean and of fascinating sea creatures

On The Wing Photography– Mia McPherson’s bird and nature photography site contains blog posts with her photos and the stories behind the images plus her photo galleries of more than 6000 photos of birds, wildlife, and flowers and trees along with landscapes.

Outdoor Photography – Stunning photos of birds, wildlife, wildflowers, and landscapes by Scott Simons. This is also a great place to learn more about photography.

Ozark Grace – Connie is an illustrator and photographer who lives in the Missouri Ozarks, USA. She appreciates God’s wonders and shares the beauty of the Ozarks.

Patrick Zephyr Photography – Galleries of a variety of nature photography from close-ups of jumping spiders, insects, amphibians and reptiles to peaceful landscapes and waterscapes

Paying Ready Attention – Photo Gallery – If you love birds, Wild Bird Wednesdays are awesome. Stewart posts amazing photos of a bird, and many other bird-watchers link up to share their bird photos.

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology – “The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a world leader in the study, appreciation, and conservation of birds. Our hallmarks are scientific excellence and technological innovation to advance the understanding of nature and to engage people of all ages in learning about birds and protecting the planet.” (Cornell Lab’s description) I love their photo ID tool. You can upload a picture you took of a bird; click on the bird’s eye, beak, and tail; and they will identify the bird for you. I tried it and it really works! They have a phone app for this, too.

Because God equips birds with amazing insulation, this little guy braved an April ice and snow storm. “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.” (Matthew 10:29)

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Bald Eagle Reflection

Ken from Florida gave me permission to share this. What a majestic creature! “But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.” (Isaiah 40:31 AMP)

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“He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; He causes me to stand on the heights.” (Psalm 18:33)

My brother’s camera captured this stunning creature. “Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy.” (Isaiah 35:6)

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Falls Park

A photo can never portray the powerful force of water rushing over and around these rocks. (Sioux Falls, SD) “Your path led through the sea, Your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen.” (Psalm 77:19)

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Honey Bee

It takes two million flowers before a honey bee has enough pollen to produce one pound of honey! Always busy drinking in sweetness… “How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Psalm 119:103)

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Sharp-shinned Hawk“God created the great creatures of the sea…”

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.” (Job 12:7-10)

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Pennsylvania Leatherwing Beetleor “Soldier Beetle”

“In His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.” (Job 12:10)

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Washed clean!Thank You, Jesus!

“And since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.” (Hebrews 10:21-22)

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Mackinaw Island

“Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and He (Jesus) was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn He went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, but when they saw Him walking on the lake, they thought He was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw Him and were terrified. Immediately He spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down.” (Mark 6:47-51)

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Your sins will be as white as snow!

“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18)

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“Bloom Where You’re Planted”~ Mary Engelbreit

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Swan Reflection

“It doesn’t matter if you’re born in a duck yard, so long as you are hatched from a swan’s egg!” ― Hans Christian Andersen, The Ugly Duckling

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Belted Kingfisher

“In order to see birds it is necessary to become a part of the silence.” ― Robert Lynd

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Mother Love

Some studies have shown that ducklings hear their mother’s voice before hatching and will follow her call after hatching.

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Spearfish Falls, SD“Our God is an awesome God!”“Peace Like a River”The BadlandsFemale Bighorn SheepQuite a rack!

Thank you, James. I checked out your site. I have never heard of street photography before. It sounds interesting to catch those random incidences of people in public places. I always wondered… Does a photographer have to ask a person’s permission before publicizing the photo?

Thank you, Abigail. I’m so glad you enjoy this list. I love nature. God often uses it to calm me and remind me He is still in control. 🙂 At the end of each month, I have a “What’s New This Month” post, and I try to add 3 new nature sites here. I also share some photos in that post, but on this page I haven’t changed the photos for a while. Blessings to you!